NORWOOD -- The Norwood Volunteer Fire Department is preparing for the 78th Annual Field Day Celebration July 3 and 4 and the big annual parade, which will have a Doctor Seuss theme this year.

The traditional block dance will be held the evening of July 3 at the fire station.

The celebration continues on the Fourth of July with a huge parade at 1 p.m., family entertainment at the firemen’s field, and an evening finale with perhaps the best display of fireworks in St. Lawrence County.

The parade this year is in honor of two past members of the Norwood VFD. Marlyn Edwards and Emmett Regan organized the July 4th parade for many years. In their memory, the 2013 parade will be dedicated as “The Marlyn Edwards/Emmett Regan Memorial Parade.”

The 2013 theme for parade floats is “From the World of Doctor Seuss.”

The Norwood Beach Arena will be available to build and store floats starting on Monday, July 1. The arena will be open from noon until 8 p.m. daily on July 1, 2 and 3 for float decorating.

Over 70 invitations for parade participation have gone out. Those who would like to enter a float in the parade and reserve a space in the arena may contact Bob Haggett at 212-1831 or rhagget@twcny.rr.com

Parade participants will line up at noon on Maple Street, Spruce Street or Lake Shore Drive, as directed by organizers. The parade will start at 1 p.m. sharp ending on Morgan Street at the firemen’s field.

First, second and third place parade plaques will be awarded to marching fire departments and to floats. Department ladies’ auxiliaries are also invited to march. One first place ladies’ auxiliary plaque will be awarded.

“This Norwood parade has become one of the largest parades in northern New York mainly due to the dedication of all participants,” Haggett said. Entry deadline is June 10. Late entry requests will be considered but might have to be turned down.